Universal joint



March 15, 1927.

F. w. PETERS l UNIVERSAL JOINT Filed nec. 10`. 192s 4 sheets-sheet 1 1 1w M im V V f f Z M i f y 1@ 30, #if 522g. f ,i ,1MM E, f lli@ M] mf/MW@ 2 i Vlg, g Wynia? L E ,o Q 7` 9 f M 1 1. M M/ f. [Aviv/.l 1 IWI! w w... .f 0J a/ 7. F fr f` M M ow a i 2 L 1,6211 215 March 15 1927 F. w. PETERS UNIvERsAL JOINT Filed Dec. l0. 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Mach, 15 1927' F. w. PETERS UNIVERSAL JOINT 'Filed Dec.. 10. l1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 f. V. .w M.

i, M if 1,62 21 March 15, 1927. F W. PETERS 1., 5

UNIVERSAL JOINT Filed Dec.l 10. 1923 4 SheebS--Sheml 4 m W I EYM Patented Mar. 15, 1927.

UNITED" STATES PATENT. OFFICE.

ING CORPORATION, 0F SOUTH '.PLAINFIELD, NEW

VIBGmIL JERSEY, .A CORPORATION Ol' v' UNIVERSAL JOINT.,

Application filed-December 10, 1923. Serial No. 679,398.

This invention relates to universal joints,-

and has for its general object to provide a joint which ma be conveniently and economically manu actured; which may be read- 5 .ily and convenient] assembled and disassembled; which wil insure efficient lubrication between the trunnions and the bearings; and one which will be capable of withstanding the incidents of use. Further l and more limited objects of the invention will appear in the specification and will be realized in and .through the combination of elements. set forth in the claims.

, In the drawings, Fig. 1 Irepresents a sectional elevation of a universal joint employing my invention; Fig.v 2 is a similar view taken at right angles' to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a detail in perspective of one of the cross pins; Fig. 4 a central sectional vview through the ring, showing he pins and trunnions in elevation.; Fig. 5 is a; side elevation of the ring, with a portion of the same broken away;l Fi 6-. and 7 are sectional lviews' correspon ing respectively to- 25 the lines 6-.6 and 7 7 of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a detail in sectional elevation, and Fig.

` 9.a detail-in elevation, offone of the bearin blocks; Fig. 10 is'a detail in perspective opir one of the trunnions. with its thrust block; Figs. 11 and 12 are details in plan and section, respectively, of. the washer surrounding the outer portion of each trunnion; Figs. '13 and 14 are views, similar to Figs. land 2 respectively, of a modified form of my invention; Fig. 15 is a sectional 'eleva- Vtion of a modification of my invention hav` ing -a somewhat different type of bearing block; Fig. 16 isa detail in sectionl of the -ring employed' with this formof my invention; 'and ig. 17 is av detail in section cor;l responding to the `line 17-17 of Figure 16.

Describing the various' parts by reference characters land in connection with Figs. 1-

' 12' inclusive, 1 and 2 denote hubs, connected grespectivey with the driving and the driven shaft sections (not shown). The hubs are L '-.provided 'eachawith a yoke 3 each having -diametric'allyopposed trunnions 4, there being an annular shoulder 5 at each -end 0f theyoke surrounding the b ase ofthe trunnion' thereof.

i The hub is provided with a fiangetiv lof 180 whereby the seats prevent radial inopposite side of the ring, that is, through means of which it may be secured in an convenient mannerto lts cooperating shag n section. The trunnions 4 are formed asex- 55 tensions of cross pins 7 each having a central recess 8 of slightly greater Ide th than the radiu'sf such pin, each recess Yieving about 210 in angular extent.. The trunnions are adapted to be mounted in 00 bearing blocks carried by and mounted within a connecting member in the form of a' ring, the ring being indicated generally at A. The ring is preferably made from two s' a4 cylindrical outer wall 9, 9, respectively, a side Iwall 10, 10, respectively, and an inner segmental wall 11, '11",' respectively. The ring segments are united bv welding together the'adjacent edges of tlie walls 9 7.01

9, as indicated at 9", the ring thus form havinga central c'rcumferential rib 9, including the weld. ormed in the ring thus provided are transversely extending seats 'j B and B for the bearing blocks. The ,seatsJl -B are arranged diametrically opposite each4 other, and the seats B are also arranged diametrcally opposite each other butl are spaced each from a seat B. The B extend through oneof the side walls 10"80 toward but not including the other side wall 10 of the ring, and the block-receiving walls 12 thereof are each a section of a cylinder` having a circumferential' extent -in excess ward. movement of .the bearing blocks Iadapted'to iit therewithin. The-seats .B

are constructed identicall like the seats B, except that they extend inwardly from the the side wall 10 toward but'not including the side wall 10". It will be noted-'thatthe .space the outer wall 9' and the inner se wall 11 is divided into a plurality o chambers `C-,gthese chambers being separated from cach other bv means'of the side walls of the seats B, B andthe bearing blocks-.im serted within s uchl seats. Each chamber C -is adapted to communicate with the interim' 10 of the seats B', 1B .by means of 13 formed inthe adjacent' walls of he said seats. The .chambers-.C are enabled to .com-

"municate with each otl 1er, and thus provide etrical drop forgings each having 05 for the circulation of lubricant by centrifugal action, by means of ports or passages 14, connecting adjacent chambers and located adjacent to the inner face of the wall 9; For the purpose of supplyin -the cham'- bers with lubricant, one of suc chambers is provided with a filling plug 15.

Cooperatingwith the seats B, B are the bearing blocks, which are indicated generally at D, D', the blocks D being fitted Within the seats B and the blocks D Within the seats B. Each block is of such shape in cross section as to enable it to {it snugly within its appropriate seat B or B', each l plane from vits inner e being provided with an external wall 16 of the same shape as the wall 12, with the exception that the cylindrical bore 17 in each block is extended through the outer surface of such block.

"Each of the blocks D, D', is provided with a iange 17a which is adapted to engage the Walls 10 and 10, respectively, and each block is also provided at its opposite end `with a threaded stud 18 which is adapted to extend through an opening 1()b in the wall 10 or 10, the blocks D, D then being drawn to their seats by means of nuts 19 onsuch studs. Between the inner end of each block and the inner face of the wall 10 or 10n is inserted a gasket 20 surrounding a stud 18.

The bearing blocks D" are identical with the bearing blocks D, being inserted in the ring in the opposite 'direction from the blocks D. The parts of the blocks D', being/ identical with the parts of the blocks D, are

identified by the same numerals. Between each bearing block and the adjacent shoulder 5 and surrounding each trunnion is a washer 21 of spring metal, said washer normally having Aits outer ed e 21 vin a different ge 21" and being projection 22 adapted to provided with a It will be enter a seat 22 in a shoulder.

evident that, -when the parts 'are assembled,`

the inner and outer. edges of each Washer will be forced into approximately the 'same plane; but each washer,'. tending to assume lts original shape, will tightly engage the bearing blockwith its outer edge and the.

shoulder with its inner edge, thereby assuring leak-tight joints between the trunnions, the bearing blocks and the shoulders, as well asserving to align the bearing 'blocks in their respective seats 4and to.prevent rattling of the'parts,

ach block is also rovided with a t ough port yE exten ing transversely thereof and cuttin into one side of the cylindrical bore 17 t ereofthe -ports providing-forthe-'s'u chambers C an :ports 13 to the trunnions.

plyfof lubricant roni the .The ports E are so arran ed that they are .obstructedat their centra portions byvthe. trunnions, theV latter cutting -down the cross- 'sectional areas of the ports to about onehalf, thereby insuring efficient lubrication of the intermediate portions of the trunso proportioned that, when assembledfthe ends of the trunnions extend only to the points Where the cylindrical bore 17 Iirst intersects the outer cylindrical surface ot' a block D, D', the.y space between the end of each trunnion and the cylindrical Wall 12 therebeyond being filled with such thrust block. These blocks are shown in detail in Figs. l, f1 and l0. Each block F is substantially circular in plan vieu' and is'provided with a transverse groove 24 adapted to communicate on opposite sides of its center with the ports 14 and thus form therewith a channel between the adjacent chambers C, C

for the circulation of lubricant, as well as tor the supply oi lubricant to the thrust blocks and to the ends of the trunnions'9 bearing thereagainst.

With. the parts constructedand arranged as described, one of the hubs. -with its trunnions and bearing blocks and 'thrust blocks applied'to such trunnions can be readily applied to the ring by a lateral movement, inserting the bearing blocks into their appropriate seats, withthe gaskets 20 and washers"21 in place, and then setting up the nuts 19 to`draw the blocks to their seats. The opposite hub, with'its trunnions and bearing blocks can be applied in like manner to the ring, inserting the bearing blocks into the seats which extend inwardly from the opposite side of the ring. The recessing .of the cross pins at 8 enables them to be assembled with their bearing blocks, by

movement of either'hub toward the other and' to be assembled with -the axes of Athe trunnions 1n the same plane.` The manner of forming the recesses accommodates kthe relative movements of the hubs and pins. f 14 show a modificationv of In this modification ,the

Figs. 13 and my invention. parts are identical with those described inv connection 'with Figs. '1f-12;l inclusive, with tvvo` exceptions. In the 'modified form of -my invention, ordinary'packing rings or' gaskets 25 are substitut-ed for the washers 21and -they are'seated each in an annularA recess 2G in veach bearing'block. Furthermore, the hub 2 has'a yoke 4 integral with the' shoulders 5 andl trunnions 4, the yoke being recessed or concaved at itscenter to accommodate the sleeve/ 2 in which the' cross-pin 7 ofthe hub member 1 is mounted. l In all other respects, the jointI shown in these views is identical with ,that set forth in connection withFigs.' 1-12 inclusive.

- In Figs. 15, 16 and 17, Vthere is Shown a modification of my .invention in which the 'l in tirely across the ring.` The chambers C communicate wCith the seats and the bearing.

The

blocks H by means of the ports 13. bearing blocks, are' rectangular in section to fit the seats G and' are provided each with a' cylindrical bore 27'a for the tiunnions 4 and are also provided each with a recess 26a having a packing washer 25'* similar to that shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Each bearing lblock is provided witha fianged head 27,

between which and the adjacent side wall of the ring A there is inserted a gasket 28. The opposite end of the'bearing block is substantially flush with the opposite end of the ring andv is provided with a threaded stud 29. Surrounding the stud and'engaging the adjacent face of the bearing block and adjafent partof the ring A. is agasket 30. lSurrounding the stud .29 and engaging the gasket is a heavy washer 31. The bearing blocks are drawn to their seats and are secured i therein by nuts, indicated at 32, on the vstuds 29. Ports E, corresponding' to the like designated ports shown in Figs. 1-3, are also provided.

Because of the shape of the bearing blocks and their cooperatingr seats,:the blocks are capable of Irocking in their seats while being retained by their seats against radial inward movement. This enables opposed blocks to be,selfadjusting during the assembling operation so as to align Btheir bores. After such alignment the nuts upon the threaded ends ofthe bearing blocks may be set up to draw the blocks to their final positions in their respective seats.` The bearing blocks are thus not only selfaligning or adjusting during the assembling operation but. after such operation,A they act as driving keys extending entirely across the 4 connecting ring.

Itl will be evident thatthe partsof a joint constructed'as described may be produced in an extremely convenient land, economical manner; that the said. parts may be conveniently assembled and disassembled; .and

that a lubricated joint. can be produced from such an assembly which is capable of efficient and long-extended use.` aving thus described my invention,.what Iclaim is;

1. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving" and a drivenmember and trunnions carried thereby, of a connecting member having4 seats extending inwardly from one side thereof for the trunnions of one ofthe firsttwo members ,and seats ex- A tendinginwardly -from the opposite side'.

thereof for the trunnions ofthe other of such members, bearing blocks adapted to receive said trunnions and to fit within the seats provided therefor, and means for securing the saidblocks in said seats.

2. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member and trunnions carried thereby, of a connecting member having seats extending inwardly from one side thereof for the triinnions of one of the first two members andv seats eX- tending inwardly from the opposite sides thereof for the trunnions of the other of such members. and means for rotatably supporting the said trunnions in said seats.'

3. In a`universal joint, the combination, with a driven and a driving member each having a cross pin provided with trunnions, of a connecting member having transversely extending seats located within the peripheral portion thereof, and bearing blocks .for

said trunnions adapted to be' inserted within.

said seatsby movement of the said members toward each othei, the central portion 'of at least one of said cross 'pins being recessedvm whereby the first two inembersmay be assembled with the third member with the axes of the trunnioiis in substantially a com mon plane.

4. Ina universal joint, the "combination, with a drivenv and a driving vmember each having a cross pin provided with trunnions, of a connecting member having transversely extending seats, bearing blocks adapted tol receive the said trunnions and to be inserted into said seats.` by a movement of the first whereby the parts may be assembled with the axes of-the trunnions in substantially a common plane.

5. In `a universal joint, the combination', with a driving andla driven member and trunnionsv carried thereby` of a connecting ring provided with pairs of seats extending laterally thereof from and including one of the sides thereof toward but lnot including the opposite side thereof, the pairs of seats extending from opposite sides of said ring,

bearing blocks for` said trunnions, and means for securing the said beai'ingl'blocks 1n their respective seats.

6..In a universal joint, the combination,

with a driving and a,- driven member, each having trunnions, of a connecting ring, the

adapted to be fitted in said seats,tlie bear# ing blocks and their seats being so shaped said ring having opposed sides aiid-pro that the blocks are retainedbyfsaid seats' against radial inward movement, and means for securing the said blocks inthe said seats. v 7. -In a universal joint', the combination,

having trunnions, of a connecting member provided with transversely extending seats,

` bearing blocks for said trunnions each havsaid blocks partially ing a 'projection at one end adapted to engage one side of the third member and having a reduced extension at its opposite end extending through the opposite side of the third member, and means engaging each extension foitsecuring each of said blocks in place within its seat.

S In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member each having trunnions, of a connecting ring having transversely extending seats located within the peripheral portion thereof., bearing blocks adapted' to receive said trunnions and each havng a flange adapted to engage one ofthe sides -of said ring and an extension adapted to project beyond the other side o'f said ring, apacking gasket surrounding such extension and adapted to engage such opposite side of said ring, and means engaging each extension for securing said blocks in their `respective Seats.

9. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member each having trunnions, of a connecting ring having seats for bearing blocks 'extending from one side thereof toward but not including the opposte side thereof, a bearing block for each trunnion, each bearing block adapted to be received within a seat and each having a flange at one end adapted to engage one of the sides of the ring and provided with a threaded stem extending through the opposite side of said ring, the-inner end of the block and the inner'portion of the seat having'a gasket interposed therebetween surround'ng said stem, anda nut on each stem for drawing each block tov its seat. n

10. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member each having trunnions, of a ring having lubricating chambers yand bearing block seats interposed between said chambers with ports communicating with each chamber and with the outer portions of the adjacent bearin block seats, bearing blocks mounted in fait, seats and trunnions mounted in bores in said bearing blocks, the body of each,` bearing block having a through'port communicating with the chambers -on each side thereof, each "of said through ports intersecting the bore of each bearing block and the trunnfons in obstructing each such throughport, and a thrust block at the end lof each trunnion, each thrust block being fitted within the'outer portion of its cofoperating seat and each having a groove adaptedto register with the first mentioned ports.

11. In a universal-joint, the-combination,

with a ring having lubricant. chambers therein and provided with bearings intermediate said chambers, of universal joint members having trunnions mounted in said bearings, each bearing having a through port the ends whereof communicate with the chambers on each side thereof, the said through'port cutting into one side of the trunnion bore in each bearing and being restricted in crosssectional area'by the trunnion in such bore.

12. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member each having trunnions,` of a ringhaving lubricant chambers, with bearing blocks interposed between said chambers and having bores for said trunnions, the ring being providedwith ports adapted to connect the said chambers and located beyond the endsy of said trunnions, and a thrust block interposed between the end of each trunnion andthe portion of the ring opposite thereto, each suchblock having a groove adapted to register with and complete the port extending beyond the outer end of its trunnion. y

13. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member each having trunnions. of a ring having cham'- bers interposed between said chambers, the,` said ring having ports communicating with said chambersl and with the outer portion of each seat, a bearing block in each seat, a trunnionA in each bearing block, and a thrust block interposed between the end of each trunnion and the outer portion' of its seat. each thrust block having a groove adapted to register ,with the lubricant ports communicating with the outer portion of its seat. I

14. In aV universal joint, the combination', with a driving andl a driven member, each having trunnions, of a connecting ring having seats, ea^h having an outer cylindrical surface, bearing blocks having trunnion receiving bores mounted in said seats, and a thrust block interposed between the end of` each trunnion and the cylindrical surface of the said seat.

l5. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member, each having trunnions, of a connecting ring, havfor lubricant and bearing block seats,

ico

ports extending frtn said chambers and f communicating -with the` outer cylindrical portions of the bearing block seats, and the thrust blocks each 'being provided with a groove adapted. to communicate with such ports and providing 'for the' flow of lubricant from one chamber to another beyond the ends of 'the trunnions. l

16- A universal joint comprisin a driv-l ing and a driven member each having trunnions, a connecting member comprising a pair of sect-ions adapted to be welded together intermediatethe sides of said member, each section havinga pair ofv seats projecting thereinto from one side thereof and a pair of seats projecting thereinto from the` opposite side thereof, the seats being adapted to register when the'said sections are welded together, and bearing blocks for the trunnions adapted to be inserted into said.` seats.

17. A universal joint comprising a driving and al driven member each having trunnions, a ring comprising a pair of symmetrical sections adapted to be welded together in a plane coinciding substantially with the aXes f the trunnions, when assembled therein, each ring section having a pair of seats projecting thereinto from one side thereof and a pair of seats projecting thereinto from the opposite side thereof, the seats being adapted to register when the said sections :are Welded together,and bearing blocks for the trunnions adapted to be inserted into said seats.

V18. In a universal joint, the combination of a member having a trunnion and a shoulder from which said trunnion projects, a

' bearing member for said trunnion, and a washer surrounding the said trunnion and interposed between the ,bearing member and said shoulder, the said washer being of thereof inI a different plane from theother edge whereby, when assembled between the said shoulder and the said bearing member, one edge of such washer will be forced into engagement with the, bearing member and the opposite edge into engagement .with the shoulder. i

19. In a universal joint, the combinationl of a member havinga trunnion and ash'oulder i from whiclisaid trunnion projects, a bear-l ing member for said trunnion, and a washer surrounding the" said trunnion and l interposed between the bearing member, and said shoulder, -the said washer being of spring trunnions carried thereby, of

metal and normally having one edge thereof in a different plane from the vother edgel whereby, when assembled between the saidl shoulder .and the. said 'bearing member, one edge of such washerwill be forced into engagement'with the bearing member and -tlie opposite edge into engagement with the s oulder, the said washer having a projec tion'- intermediate the edges thereof ada tedg to engage a recess in the part Vof the joint -adjacent thereto- Y 20,' In a. universal joint, the

combination, with a driving and -a driven ember and n annular connecting member having. sides and inner and ontervwalls, the said connecting member.

having transversely lextending seats therein,

each having ais B the Said seats interseaing the'inner 'w 11 of said bearing blocks each having' a radial bore for the reception of a trunnion.

21. In a universal joint, the combination,

with la driving and a driven member and trunnions `carried thereby, of an annular connecting member having sides and inner Iand outer walls, the said connecting member having transversely extending seats therein, each seat having a cross section whichis a segment of a circle in excess of 180, and bearing blocks for said seats each having a cross 'section corresponding to that of its seat whereby the -blocks are capable of rocking in their seats, the said bearing blocks a radial bore for the reception of a 4trunnion.

22. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member and trunnions carried thereby, of an annularconnecting member having sides and inner and outer walls, the said connecting member having transversely extending seats therein, ,the said seatsbeing entirely within the outer wall of the said member and intersecting the inner wall and each seat having a cross-sec-y tion which is a segment of a circle in excess having a cross section corresponding to that of its seatwhereby the blocks are capable of rocking in their seats and are/retained against radial: inward movement, the said '1o-5* bearing blocks each having' a radial bore for the reception of a'trunnion and the said connecting Vmember being provided with lubricant chambers between said blocks and with means for supplying lubricant from said chambers -to nions. f c

23. 'In a universal joint, the combination,L with a driving and a driven member andv the said blocks .and truntrunnions carried thereby, of am annular :iii excess of 180, and bearingl blocks-for a cross section corresaid seats each having spending. to that of its'seat whereby the .blocks arel ca able of rocking in their seats, 'the said bearing blocks each 'having a radial bore, for the reception of a trunnion, the i said connecting member being rovided with a lubricant chamber and wit means for supplyin .lubricant froms'itl chamber tothesaid b` ocks and trunnions-# sj 24. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member each having trunnions, of an annular-connecting member havin transversely-extending seats located e'ntirelbr said member and intersecting the Ainner wall thereof, each seat having a cross section which is the segment of a circle in excess of 180, bearing blocks for said trunnions each having a contour adapting it to fit and rock within a seat and each having a projection at'one end adapted to engageone side of the l. connecting member and a reduced extension at its opposite end extending through the, opposite side of such member, and means engaging each extension .for securing each of said blocks in place within its seat, the saidI and a reduced extension at its opposite end extending through' the opposite side of such member, and means engaging each extension for securing each of 'said blocks in place lwithin its seat.l j

26. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member and trunnions carried thereby, of a connecting' ring having seats extending, transversely thereof from and through one side of said ring toward and in proximity to the opposite side thereof, and bearing blocks adapted to be inserted in said seats through a side of the ring, the blocksand seats being of such shape as .to permita rocking movement of each block in its seat, each block having a radial bore for the reception of a trunnion, and means for securing the said blocks in the said-seats. l

27. In a universal joint, the combination, with a driving and a driven member and trunnions carried thereby, of a hollow lubriy within the outer wall of- Iadapted to be inserted into cant-containing connecting ring, the said ring having seats extendlng transversely .thereof from and through one side of said ring toward and in proximity to the opposite side thereof, bearing blocks adapted to be inserted into said seats through a side of the ring, each block having a radial bore for a trunnion and the blocks and seats being so shaped that the blocks may rock in said seats, means for securing the said blocks in their respective seats in said ring, and means for supplying lubricant from the ring to the said blocks and trunnions.

28.` In a universal joint, the combination,

with a driving and a driven member and y trunnions carried thereby, of a hollow lubricant-containing connecting ring, the said ring having seats extending transversely thereof from and through one side of said ring toward and in proximity to the opposite side thereof and each seat intersecting the inner wall of said ring, bearing blocks said seats side wall df. the ring, the blocks through a being so shaped that the blocks and seats may rock in said seats and each block having a radial bore for the reception of a trunnion land adapted to register with the opening provided vby the intersection of its seat with the inner Wall of the r/ing, meansfor securing the said blocks in their respective seats in said ring, and means Vfor supplying lubricant from the ring to the said vblocks and trunnions.

29. In a universal jolnt, thecombmation,

with a driving and a driven'nember each having trunnions, there being a shoulder surrounding the inner portion of each trunnion, of a hollow lubricant-containing connecting ring having seats for the trunnions,

and a' washer on each trunnion and inter posed between the .shoulder and the seat therefor, the said Washer being of spring `metal and normally having one edge thereof in a different plane from the other edge whereby wheny assembled between a shoulder and a seat, one edge of such washer will be forced into engagement with the shoulder and the opposite edge into engagement with the seat.' I

In testimony whereof, I hereunto aix my signature.

FREDERICK W. PETERS. 

